WASHINGTON, United States — US President Donald Trump has announced what he described as the “most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country,” escalating his administration’s economic pressure on Iran and warning other countries against providing Tehran with financial or commercial support.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said the United States would pursue what he called “economic warfare and isolation” against Iran, claiming the country’s military capabilities had been severely weakened.
“No one has given the Islamic Republic of Iran a greater opportunity to make a Deal than me,” Trump wrote.
“TRAGICALLY, for them, they have failed to take it.”
The president said the new measures would target Iran’s ability to access international financial and commercial networks.
Trump threatens countries supporting Iran
Trump warned that the consequences would extend beyond Iran to countries and entities that continue providing what his administration considers a financial or economic lifeline to Tehran.
“ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences,” he said.
He specifically listed oil smuggling, financial swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries and front companies among activities Washington would seek to shut down.
“It all needs to stop NOW,” Trump wrote.
The warning raises the prospect of secondary sanctions or other punitive economic measures against governments, companies and financial institutions that continue conducting business with Iran.
Trump claims Iranian military has been devastated
Trump also made sweeping claims about the impact of US military operations against Iran.
“Their navy is gone, their air force is destroyed, their military factories are now rubble, their currency is worthless, and their country is hanging by a thread,” he wrote.
Trump described the forthcoming campaign as an “ECONOMIC D-DAY” and called on US allies to join Washington in isolating Iran.
“We need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat,” he said.
The U.S. President further accused Iran’s leadership of posing a threat through its alleged support for terrorism and repeated his longstanding warning that Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon.
“IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” Trump declared.
Iran nuclear programme remains key issue
Trump’s statement places Iran’s nuclear programme at the centre of the administration’s policy.
The US president has repeatedly insisted that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, while Tehran has maintained that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes.
Trump framed the latest measures as part of a broader effort to prevent Iran from threatening the United States and its allies.
His statement also suggested that Washington believes Iran is currently under severe military and economic pressure and should therefore accept a negotiated settlement.
The president said Iran had been given an opportunity to reach a deal but had failed to take it.
Potential consequences for global markets
A broader economic confrontation with Iran could have consequences beyond the country itself.
Iran is a major oil-producing state, and restrictions on its ability to export crude or access international financial channels could affect energy markets, depending on the scale and enforcement of the measures.
Shipping and insurance companies could also face increased risks if Washington targets vessels, registries and companies accused of facilitating Iranian oil exports.
Countries that maintain significant commercial relationships with Tehran could face difficult choices if the US moves to enforce the threat of “tremendous” economic consequences.
The announcement therefore goes beyond another round of sanctions against Iran. It signals an attempt to isolate the country economically by targeting the wider network of institutions and businesses that enable it to participate in global commerce.
